Moving to Rwanda

Often referred to as the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda’s landscape is dominated by rainforests, mountains, volcanoes, and lakes. Beautiful weather prevails, making the country a pleasant spot to call home. 

As an expat moving to Rwanda, you'll be delighted to find that the locals are also some of the friendliest, most open and welcoming people in Africa. Although Rwanda has a tumultuous history, today's situation is much more stable, and you will likely feel extremely safe.

Living in Rwanda

Living in Rwanda offers expats a reasonably high-quality rural experience. Despite its reputation as an underdeveloped country, Rwanda is developing quickly, with modern water, electricity, and internet infrastructure becoming fairly common. The country has a sizeable expat population, and you will likely find it quite trouble-free.

Rwanda’s economy is still predominantly based on subsistence agriculture, with coffee and tea being the main cash crops for export. Thanks to Rwanda's beautiful natural environment and the endangered animals it is home to, such as the mountain gorilla, tourism is growing rapidly. 

Accommodation in Rwanda is relatively cheap, especially if you earn in a foreign currency. Houses in rural areas tend to be older and more patchwork than in big cities. Most expats prefer living in Kigali, the Rwandan capital, as housing here is still comparably affordable and offers greater access to shops and entertainment.

Public transport in Rwanda has a turbulent history, but lately, legal reform and public cooperation have led to stable bus services in major cities. In Kigali especially, buses are the main form of transport. A cashless payment system has also been set in place to make payment more convenient and quicker. Rwanda has no railway system, and air travel is not common. An international driving licence is valid for one year, and driving is generally more convenient for most expats. Main roads here are largely in good condition, but secondary roads and smaller roads in rural areas can be heavily deteriorated and lack any form of lighting.

Rwanda has a universal healthcare scheme, largely subsidising medical treatment for its citizens. The poorest citizens are entitled to free healthcare, while the more affluent pay a small amount for national healthcare coverage. That said, the quality of healthcare in Rwanda remains poor, as the country suffers from a shortage of qualified medical professionals. In the case of a serious emergency, you will most likely need to be evacuated by air to another country, such as South Africa or somewhere in Europe. Ensure that you have a comprehensive medical insurance plan in place in case this situation arises.

Cost of living in Rwanda

Life in Rwanda is affordable for most expats, especially if they earn higher salaries than locals. The capital city of Kigali was ranked 199th out of 226 cities on Mercer’s Cost of Living City Ranking in 2024. The expat standard of living tends to be high here, especially if you live in a major city.

Families and children in Rwanda

The Rwandan government provides free education in state-run schools, but standards may fall short of your expectations. Alternatives include various private schools across Rwanda teaching the national curriculum and a handful of international schools teaching foreign curricula. These are mostly located in the capital.

As a country with rich natural landscapes and myriad exotic animals, Rwanda ensures you can always find something to do if you are fond of the outdoors. To escape the pressures of work and city life, you can make a trip to Lake Kivu and relax on its shores. The bustling Kimironko market offers the chance to indulge in local tastes and culture with a wide array of things to buy.

Working in Rwanda

Working in Rwanda can be a rewarding experience. Rwanda has emerged as one of Africa's fastest-growing economies, boasting a burgeoning economy with rapidly developing infrastructure. This makes it an attractive destination for expats seeking interesting career opportunities. The Rwandan government's commitment to innovation and sustainable development has created an atmosphere ripe for entrepreneurial ventures and international collaboration.

The work culture in Rwanda is one of collaboration, respect, and diligence. Punctuality and professionalism are highly valued, with a focus on achieving goals efficiently. Teamwork is often prioritised, and communication tends to be direct yet respectful, fostering a harmonious and productive environment.

Safety in Rwanda

Rwanda is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in Africa, with low crime rates and a stable political environment. The government's zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and crime has contributed to the overall sense of security. Police presence is visible, especially in urban areas, further enhancing safety. Rwanda's emphasis on reconciliation has fostered social cohesion and reduces the risk of future conflicts. Still, it's essential to exercise sensible safety precautions.

Climate in Rwanda

Rwanda is pleasantly warm throughout the year, and nights are refreshingly cool. The country has a tropical climate and two rainy seasons: one from March to May and another between September and November.

To make the most of your time in Rwanda, be adaptable and able to keep an open mind. Although a little off the beaten path and somewhat rough around the edges in certain aspects, Rwanda offers a unique expat experience if you are willing to venture outside your comfort zone.

Fast Facts

Population: About 13.5 million

Capital city: Kigali

Neighbouring countries: Rwanda is bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west.

Geography: Rwanda is a landlocked country in East Africa. The western part of the country is dominated by mountains, while the eastern part of the country is defined by forests and savannahs, plains, and swamps. Lake Kivu makes up a significant part of Rwanda's western border.

Political system: Unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic

Main languages: Kinyarwanda, French, and English

Major religions: Catholicism, Christianity and Islam

Time: GMT+2

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Plugs with two or three round pins are used.

Currency: Rwandan franc (RWF), divided into 100 centimes. ATMs and card facilities are available in major urban centres, but cash is needed for rural areas.

International dialling code: +250

Internet domain: .rw

Emergency numbers: 112

Transport and driving: Vehicles in Rwanda drive on the right-hand side of the road.